The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-01
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
The Grand Old Statesman in
Macon.
cHEERED BY ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS

swan-song Of the old confederacy," said an en-
thusiastic veteran in the Hotel Ianier tonight;
"and we intend to make it as sweet an one as
we know how"
Tho old soldier meant Georgia's reception TO
the grand old man who stands as the foremost
representative Of the principles for which he
and his brethren fought. 1t is the last review
Il quote from the various advertisements of
the confederate veterans) by the cheftian they
all honor and love, and Macon feels honored
that she should have been selected as the scene
of so grand an event.
THE SPECIAL CAR
bearing tho distinguished guests reached tho
city at ten minutes before six this evening.
The ride through from Beauyoir was without
note. At the various stations along the road
great crowds of people were gathered in the
hope that they might catch glimpse, at least,
of the dstngued traveller, but so far as Mr..
Davis was concerned they were in most cases
disappointed The train stopped at Montgom-
cry for breakfast and was at Americas fora
few minutes. At Smithvile Mrs. McAfee sent
ioyed As the train drew near to Macon tho
number Of anxious spectators along the
line increased. 1t was about AZ minutes be-
hind time, but the 5000 people who had gath
cred at the Macon depot waited patiently.
Tho whistle of tho engine in the distance met
q response in the booming Of cannon and tho
old yell, which burst forth from the lips Of the
1alt, IL &. gItaty In
very earth. The yell became almost deafen-
ing rs the crowd caught sight of the tall form
of
THE GRAND OLD C1nEFTAIN.
He and tho members OF his family were escorted
TO the carriages which were TO carry them to
the beautiful residence Of Captain j. NJ John
ston, where they viii DO entertained during
their Macon visit. The reception was royal
one The streets were crowded with people,
and the drive to Captain Johnstons was
continued ovation. Mr., and Mrs. Davis, May
or Price and MIR. Ben G. Smith were in the
first carriage. 1t was drawn by four grays and
was decorated with red, white and blue hunt
Ing, and Gags, bearing Mr. Dayis'sp picture Mr..
Davis was somewhat
but a good deal OF surprise was expressed on
all sides at his looking so well. There are some
confederate flags in Macon. suppose those of
my newspaper friends padded to write polit-
ical slush for republican papers will make q
great howl over this. There are probably
three or four "stars and bars" on the principal
streets.
1T is the last chance we win have to
bring out the old flags, and the last chance we
want, said an old soldier tonight. land We
can't see any harm in showing them. This is
the last celebration Of its kind which viii ever
be held, probably, the last time Mr.. Davis
will ever appear before the public The repub-
lican politicians may howl, but l am sure no
sensible man will see anything in this to cen
sure That's the way feel" and the rest
agreed with him.
AMEmcUs, Ga. October 2i,-tspeciall-
This day has been one of the most notable in
the history of Ameri:us.
Tho good people of the city assembled Mt
the depot by the thousands to welcome, on his
his first visit to their midst their loved and
venerable chief-tho Hon. Jefferson Davis.
When it became known this morning that he
ON their way TO the state fair in Macon it was
at once determined, 10y unanimous consent, to
accord n rousing reception. The fair ladies of
the city assembled at an early hour, bringing
baskets of the choicest flowers, which wore
deity ontwined into wreathos and garlands
making floral display most beautiful to
behold. An immense shield of white satin,
completely covered with the choicest white
flowers, with the single word Hero" in inn
mortellos across the centre, was among the
numberless floral tributes presented the dis
tinguished visitors. When the train bearing
the party came in sight
A TUMuLTUous SHOUT
went up from the dense throng that had as
Bembled TO do him homage Two pieces of
artillery, planted near tho depot, thundered
out welcome, while score of steam whis.lvs
and numberess bells and a brass band added
20 tho tumult When quiet was restored.
Mr.. Davis made a short address, standing upon
an improysed platform and beneath an arch
of roses and rarost cut flowers. Ilo thanked
his people for having thus hunorod him, and
said that as soon rs he crossed tho border limo,
and was told that he was once more ON GCor-
gia soil, that he knew that he was again among
those who honorod and loved him
best Of all. When he had concluded.
his remarks the crowds surged towards tie
platform, and hundreds grapod his troubling
hand aad that Of Miss Winnie and Mrs Hays.
Old mon cried like children, and
ONE wRINKLEp ON VETERAN.
with tears streaming down his honest face, ex-
claimed rs he took Mr.. Davis by the hand
"God bless you, sir; God bless You, You do not
look day older than when l followed your
standard. twenty-five years ago" 1t was AN
affecting sight and il washard for those about
him 10 keep back the tears.
A stop OF only five minutes was made here.
but IL afforded our people an opportunity Of
seeing, perhaps for the last time, their honored
and beloved chieftain. Business was suspended
during the time OF his brief stay. Nearly every
merchant in the city closed his doors and went
to the depot TO see the hero Of the lest cause
MACON, Ca, October 25.-[Special. 1T
rains.
"It is regular Atlanta weather" the Macon
people take pleasure in announcing TO those OF
their guests who are not supposed to know bet
Ter.
Rain began falling about noon today, and
while it didn't particularly effect what might
be termed the Davis part Of the programme, it